Singapore’s 48th National Day Celebration

Homesick Singaporeans had nothing to worry about as they celebrated the night away for Singapore’s 48th National Day on August 9 at Chasers Night Club. Hui Jun Ng was there to capture it all.

Some say that it is easy to forget one’s roots when away from home, but that is definitely not the case for Singaporeans in Victoria. Despite being 3776 miles away from home, 550 Singaporeans turned up at Chasers Night Club on August 9 to celebrate Singapore’s 48th birthday. The joyous crowd that evening was bathed in a sea of red and white – a reflection of Singapore’s national flag’s colours.

Benjamin Yoon from RMIT University. Photo: Hui Jun Ng

Even students from Monash’s Peninsula Campus, which is a two hour drive away from Melbourne, showed up for this special occasion. Photo: Hui Jun Ng

“It’s really nice to gather all Singaporeans in Victoria here and have a party,” said front man of Cashew Chemists, Yuji Kumagai (pictured). “Being Singaporean has shaped the way we write and play music,” added Yuji. Photo: Hui Jun Ng

The Committee from Monash Caulfield Students Association of Singapore. Photo: Hui Jun Ng

Over 20 students had taken time off to help serve food and manage the ticket sales throughout the event. Photo: Hui Jun Ng

The queue for food was remarkably long, but the patient food servers remained all smiles. Photo: Hui Jun Ng

The live screening of the National Day Parade was a heartwarming scene as hundreds sang their hearts out to Singapore’s national anthem, Majulah Singapura.

Everyone was in high spirits; numerous Singapore’s flags were waved around and plenty of people posing for pictures with their temporary “I love Singapore” tattoos. Photo: Hui Jun Ng

The Committee from the University of Melbourne’s Singapore Students’ Society. Photo: Hui Jun Ng

The warm atmosphere was indeed nothing like the chilly weather outside.

As the night progressed, the bartenders at Chashers Night Club got busy while homegrown DJ Mona Gene and DJ Tok got the party started with their marvelous beats. Photo: Hui Jun Ng

Chasers Night Club. Photo: Hui Jun Ng

While Chasers Night Club bears no resemblance to Zouk Singapore, partygoers sure felt like they were home for just one night. “Being surrounded by Singaporeans makes me feel like home,” said Ervin Lim, a student from Monash Peninsula. Photo: Hui Jun Ng